"Lumikki Andersson has made it a rule to stay out of things that do not involve her. She knows all too well that trouble comes to those who stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. But Lumikki’s rule is put to the test when she uncovers thousands of washed Euro notes hung to dry in her school’s darkroom and three of her classmates with blood on their hands. Literally."
I feel like something must have been lost in the translation of this novel. I notice most of the reviews written in Finnish or Swedish are pretty high, while a good number written in English are quite low. Lumikki was a strong, likable character. I just couldn't believe her back-story. She is a 17 year old who has super ninja skills and spy skills the would put the FBI to shame. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. There was never any mention of training in her past, and only one incident of her standing up to her former bullies. There is mention of Lumikki working out in the gym, but do not try and tell me she learned everything she knows at Planet Fitness.
The villains in this are out right laughable. You have a Finnish Mafia that can be taken down by small group of teenagers. All the side characters were pretty flat, with the exception of Elisa. She didn't have a fully fleshed out feel to her, but she at least strong presence and had something about her to make you care. Elisa is the one who brings out the best elements of Lumikki's personality. I had a hard time connecting with Lumikki until she became entangled with Elisa.
When you get down to the bare bones mystery, I liked it. Average people get in over their heads with a crime syndicate, one mistake/misunderstanding is made, big chain of events is set off, innocents are dragged in, people die. Its a story-line that's been used thousands of times, but its one that works. Kind of like a Choose Your Own Adventure. I fully believe you could give it to a hundred authors, and they's turn it into a hundred completely different books. Its the author's personal pixie dust they add that makes them so different. Simukka had all the elements for a unique, edge of your seat mystery. Sadly, the execution fell flat.
Age Rating 13+.
"Stacey Woods has been raped and now she has to go through a different ordeal - the court trial. But nothing in life it seems is black and white and life is not always fair or just. Suddenly it seems that she may not be believed and that the man who attacked her may be found not guilty . . . if so Stacey will ned to find a way to rebuild her life again . . ."
The second book in this series has been just, if not more, poignant than the first.
Overall Stacey is shown as a strong character rather than being seen as a victim and ultimately becomes empowered by the court process; immaterial of the actual outcome. It was great to see her maturing through the course of the book. Her strength in adversity and ability to see her quest for justice through to the end is empowering and endearing.
The court proceedings are relatively true to life and the inclusion of detailed contact information for a number of helpful organisations who offer advice, support, counselling, advocacy, and legal services for anyone affected by rape or sexual assault shows a desire to empower and equip survivors with the tools they require to rebuild their lives.
Whilst frustrating to witness, Stacey’s clouded judgement when it comes to Harry and her belief he was in someway also a victim of his older brother seems like a normal human reaction. Understandably it seems better for her to believe he was not a willing player in Marty’s devious plans.
Before I started reading this book, I assumed that it would be a somewhat harrowing and unsettling read; but I can honestly say that I finished it feeling uplifted, both by Stacey’s decisions to restart her life and not let her experiences define her future, and by the positive support network surrounding her.
There’s a good turnaround in this story that will bring a tear to your eye.
I’ve sat and read book 1 and book 2 today.
Age Rating 15+. Like the first adult content and more harrowing.
"My name is Stacey Woods and I was raped.
Stacey is the victim of a terrible sexual attack. She does not feel able to go to the police, or talk about it to anybody other than her best friend, Patrice. Patrice, outraged, when she cannot persuade her to go to the police, encourages Stacey to write everything down. This is Stacey's story."
This is a very short read (I read it in half a day) with a lot jammed into it.
I reminded myself this was a YA book and to think like a young person. I found that helped me enormously to relate to Stacey and her mindset.
Stacey has a sister who became pregnant at a very young age and Stacy is the one usually caring for the baby. Life isn’t always easy at home with her sister, her child and her mother. One day things get tense and Stacey decides she needs some time out. Her plan of where she was heading was to her Fathers Home. She knew her father and stepmother wouldn’t be there, they were away on holiday. She could chill and get some me time.
The author gave us some good background and insight to Stacey which was really necessary to understand what happens next. When Harry comes into her life he presents a filler, a filler of gaps that Stacey sorely needed at that time. A person that for once was interested in her solely for herself.
I’m not going to give away more, however, when Harry was making tentative moves to still remain friends with her after the rape my mind just kept saying "WHAT is wrong with you child. Why are you even considering it. Are you crazy?"
Although No Virgin is an incredibly poignant and crucial narrative, I couldn't understand Stacey's attraction to Harry after the assault and unfortunately, those psychological elements were not explored. The event progression before the assault felt inconsequential, compared to the sexual assault and emotional impact. I would have preferred to have the emotional turmoil and metal impacts explored.
Age Rating 15+. Explores adult themes and upsetting content.
"They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.
Now we rise."
Hi Guys. Long break, I know, I'm sorry but end of year exams and the first weeks of holiday caught up with me. Hope you are all having a great year. Anyway back to the review.
Children of Blood and Bone is a fantasy novel inspired by Nigerian mythology, specifically focusing on the mythical land of Orisha. In this world, magic has been cut off and those who are descended from the maji are called "maggots" and systematically oppressed, if not killed outright. It's narrated by three characters. Zelie, who is a maji/diviner and a target of these genocidal tactics employed by the King of Orisha.] Inan and his sister Amari, who are the children of the evil king but also maji, so uh-oh, nobody better find out or anything because that would be awkward.
Zelie runs away accompanied by her brother and Amari, the runaway princess. Inan hunts them down while fighting his unwanted (of course) attraction to Zelie. I found it not exactly a slow read but nothing action packed either. I didn't care about any of the characters. When the climax happens, we're supposed to be so worried for poor Zelie, but I didn't care because her voice is completely interchangeable with the other two. Characters appear whenever it's convenient for the plot, and there's a romance thrown in haphazardly because what's a YA without mediocre romance?
I get why so many people are excited about this book. I was too because it's exactly what so many readers have been asking for: Diverse Fantasy! It's thrilling to read books about people who are like you and have a narrative that you identify with. Even if I didn't find it too exciting, I can appreciate the meaning and importance it has for people who are seeking out those stories. Fantasy novels are notorious for having bad rep, and when you do see characters of colour, they often fit neatly under the cringe-worthy Magical Negro umbrella, which is not cool.
That's a huge reason behind why I was so ready to embrace this book: I want those diverse stories too. Stories that give a new perspective and delve into territories that aren't explored nearly enough, I just wish this book had taken a deeper plunge into that world and really explored the different culture. Also why where there panther and snow leopards in a land based off Nigeria????
Age Rating 13+. Everything is very mild just one torture scene and allusion to sex, not really sure. That how much of an allusion it was. And warning, awesome cliff hanger.
"Lumikki Andersson has made it a rule to stay out of things that do not involve her. She knows all too well that trouble comes to those who stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. But Lumikki’s rule is put to the test when she uncovers thousands of washed Euro notes hung to dry in her school’s darkroom and three of her classmates with blood on their hands. Literally."
